Changes coming for landlords and tenants with new laws 2019

Changes coming for landlords and tenants with new laws 2019

Changes coming for landlords and tenants with new laws 20192018-11-272018-12-19https://www.housesearchaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/hsa-logo.pngHouse Search Australiahttps://www.housesearchaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/tenants-rights-e1544062565603-1.jpg200px200px

Are you a landlord or tenant here in NSW? If so, you need to be aware that significant changes are coming to the current Residential Tenancies Act 2010 that are predicted to take effect in early 2019. In the biggest shake up for some two decades, Better Regulation Matt Kean has labelled them as “sweeping reforms for tenants’ rights” and they come after two years of lobbying and consultation with tenants and industry bodies, after a review of the Act in 2016 made a raft of recommendations to strike a better balance between the interests of tenants and landlords.

In summary, the major changes will include the following:

Changes to rent increases and limits to annual increases on periodic leases only

New set fee amounts forbreaking a fixed-term lease and no penalties for domestic violence victims who break a lease

Access for landlords selling rental property for the purposes of marketing/photos/video

Consent required for marketing photos from tenants

Changes to separate utility meter definitions

Changes to condition report processes

Further disclosure requirements by landlords including strata issues

Smoke alarm repairs to be classified as urgent repairs

Increased tenant rights to alter property without landlord’s consent

Other changes include introducing minimum standards like basic access to electricity and gas, that buildings are structurally sound and fit for habitation, and have adequate natural or artificial lighting and ventilation. Whilst some of these changes are commonsense and practical, it will mean significant adaptations for property managers and current system overhauls for many processes that require change here. For further information check out REINSW’s summary of changes and make sure you subscribe to NSW Fair Trading for legislative updates here.